6 minute read
Calling Young Professionals
Leawood Chamber’s program fosters community, growth and professional development.
By Jackie Hostetler
Photo by Charles Nguyen Photography/courtesy Leawood Chamber of Commerce
In the heart of Johnson County, a dynamic group of young professionals is making waves in the business community. The Leawood Young Professionals, affiliated with the Leawood Chamber of Commerce, have become a beacon for ambitious individuals ages 40 and under seeking to connect, grow, and contribute to their local community.
Joining the Leawood Young Professionals begins with a business membership in the Leawood Chamber of Commerce. Companies can then sponsor young professionals to join the network, investing time and resources into the group and its events.
This model ensures the network remains connected to the broader business community while providing a specialized space for young professionals to thrive.
The Leawood Young Professionals experienced a rebirth in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Taylor Limoges, vice president of programming and communications at the chamber, played a crucial role in revitalizing the group.
“We relaunched the program and events in late 2021, early 2022,” Limoges says. “When I joined the Leawood Chamber staff in April 2021, we were just starting to come back to in-person events. I kept seeing in the files something about this Young Professionals Committee.”
Limoges asked the then-CEO about the group.
“The obvious answer was COVID happened, and a lot of things disappeared,” she says.
Experiencing a revival
With support from Limoges, the group experienced a revival.
This resurgence breathed new life into the network, attracting young professionals eager to reconnect and establish themselves in the post- pandemic business landscape.
The Leawood Young Professionals operate under a structured leadership model. A committee of 10 members (see sidebar) meets bimonthly to plan events and initiatives. At the helm is an elected chair, chosen annually by the committee members.
Jackson Clements, the 2024 chair and owner of Clements Chiropractic, brings enthusiasm and fresh ideas to the role.
“We’re doing a lot of different events,” Clements says. “This year, we’ve tried to grow the Young Professionals group even more. We’re alternating every month between a community service event and a networking or professional development meeting.”
The network prides itself on offering a wide variety of events catering to different interests and schedules. Some notable events include a networking event held at Oak Star Bank—which drew more than 80 attendees—a supply drive for the Boys and Girls Club of Kansas City; a Mastersthemed event at Iron Horse Golf Course, complete with driving range activities and themed catering; “Cars and Coffee” morning meetups; volunteer shifts with Soar Special Needs; and happy hours at local boutiques and venues like Pinstripes Bistro.
I’ve been able to connect with likeminded individuals facing some of the same challenges. This has resulted in business connections and provides a foothold in the entire Leawood Chamber.
—JACKSON CLEMENTS
Gabriella Salinas, a marketing and events associate at Growing Futures Early Education Center and a recent addition to the network, highlights the collaborative nature of event planning.
“I really enjoy the committee that we have. Voices are able to be heard and taken seriously,” Salinas says.
The “Cars and Coffee” event, which Salinas proudly coined the name of and played a key role in creating, demonstrates how member input shapes the group’s activities. The event is sponsored by Molle Auto Group, which is also the 2024 Young Professionals network sponsor, providing a large investment that has enabled the Young Professionals to plan more highcaliber events and programs.
Unique blend
The Leawood Young Professionals network is set apart from other networking groups through its unique blend of professionalism and approachability. Limoges emphasizes this distinction.
“We offer more of a professional setting while still checking the box of that painless networking. When you go outside of the Leawood Young Professionals group, you lose that professional edge. It becomes more of a social hour. Our meetings always have structure and intention behind them,” she says.
Clements echoes this sentiment: “Even with the group being highly professional, ours is probably one of the most welcoming. I’ve been to other local professional groups, and there might be a business development portion, but that’s all it is. People go to it, and then they leave. You don’t get traction the way you do with the Leawood Young Professionals network.”
This balance creates an environment where members can form meaningful connections while advancing their careers and businesses.
The Leawood Young Professionals network maintains a strong local focus while attracting talent from across the Kansas City metro area.
“We are intentionally local to Johnson County with our events and programs,” Limoges says. “This year, we set a goal for ourselves to only have one event outside of Johnson County.”
This local emphasis doesn’t limit the network’s reach, however. As one of three young professional groups within the Johnson County Chamber network (alongside Overland Park and Northeast Johnson County), the Leawood Young Professionals draws professionals from throughout the metro area.
Invaluable resource
For young professionals like Salinas and Clements, the network offers invaluable benefits. Salinas, new to the Kansas side of the metro, found a sense of community through the network.
“I have found a community, belonging, and purpose,” says Salinas.
Clements highlights the practical advantages.
“I’ve found great resources and relationships. I’ve been able to connect with like-minded individuals facing some of the same challenges. This has resulted in business connections and provides a foothold in the entire Leawood Chamber,” he says.
The Young Professionals network provides not only opportunities to connect with younger peers but also access to mentorship from more established professionals.
Salinas says, “There is some guidance from older professionals as well. They’ve been able to give us tidbits of information.”
As for benefits to the community, regular volunteer events allow members to give back to their community.
With its unique blend of professionalism and approachability, diverse event offerings, and strong community ties, the Leawood Young Professionals network is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the local business landscape.
For young professionals seeking to expand their horizons, build lasting relationships, and make a difference in their community, the Leawood Young Professionals network offers a welcoming and dynamic platform to achieve these goals. As the group moves forward, it continues to adapt and innovate, ensuring it remains a relevant and valuable resource for the next generation of business leaders in Leawood and the greater Kansas City area.
Planning Committee
A great deal of planning goes into ensuring the Leawood Young Professionals provide high-quality and relevant events for the under-40 professional crowd in the area. This responsibility falls to a committee of 10, each listed below, along with their place of business.
Jackson Clements, Clements Chiropractic
Gabriella Salinas, Growing Futures Early Education Center
Emily Cole, intellicents
Mark Lindsay, Everfast Fiber Networks
Nicole Gutesha, Newmark Zimmer
Laura Jaber, Nummies
Brent Blazek, Rockhurst University
Megan Keown, Torchy’s Tacos
Milca Aguirre, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City
For More
Young Professionals Group
